Mao II follows the story of the writer, Bill Gray who has chosen to live most of his life in seclusion. Bill, with the help of his friend Scott, has written a book for over twenty years that he refuses to publish. The two friends believe that if the book is published and the world gets to read it, the story will lose its unique aspect. Bill and Scott have therefore chosen to hold on to their work in the hope that it will not lose its true nature. Scott also believes that if the book is ever published and Bill becomes recognized, his life will be destroyed irreparably.
However, Bill’s dreams are short-lived when Scott introduces him to a Brita Nilsson, a photographer who focuses her work on authors. Brita asks if she could take pictures of Bill and Scott, which they agree with. During her time with and Scott, Brita learns of the book they have written but refuses to publish. She reaches out to her editor and publisher, Charles Everson who shows great interest in the book.
After a formal introduction, Charles convinces Bill to publish his book. In their meeting, Charles fails to mention his intentions of using the publicity of the book to bring attention to a young Swiss poet who was kidnapped by terrorists and is being held in Beirut. Oblivious of his true intentions, Bill agrees to come out of his self-imposed seclusion and travel to London with Charles who has organized a press conference to introduce the new author.
Moments before the press conference, a bomb goes off and Bill escapes. He ends up meeting the Lebanese terrorist responsible for the bombing and holding the Swiss poet hostage. The terrorist convinces Bill to meet with his leader and hopefully convince him to release the young poet. As Bill makes his way to Lebanon, his car is hit leaving him in a great deal of pain. Determined to pursue his goal, Bill continues on his journey only to die shortly after due to internal injuries.
